difficult hood latch

[bob from red oak]

I bought a 1941 PU a months ago and I am learning a lot of things from the forum. My hood latch seems extremely tight. I hate to fix it if it ain't broke but I have to use a wrench to pull up on the latch to open it and I feel like I could lose a finger when I push it closed. It it normal to be that tight?

 

[Juergen]

Yes, something is not right. Is the hood too tight? If so look at the latching area (grille bar and hood latch). If the hood is snug, look at the locking mechanism. The 41 hood handle is different from a 40 car.